Integrated smart actuator and valve device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC actuators lack integration of advanced processing and wireless communication technologies, resulting in limited functionality and increased maintenance requirements due to the need for separate installation and management of multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device combining a valve, actuator, processing circuit, and wireless communications mechanism within a single chassis, which uses a cascaded feedback control mechanism to determine actuator positions and transmit fault or valve status data, optimizing system pressure setpoints through wireless communication with external control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC actuators are designed as separate mechanical devices, then device functionality is limited, but the number of devices to install and maintain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator, processing circuit, and wireless communications mechanism into a single integrated HVAC device. The actuator includes a motor coupled to a drive train that drives a valve, with the processing circuit and communications mechanism integrated within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate mechanical devices and reducing installation complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced processing and wireless communication capabilities are added to HVAC actuators, then device functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator serves multiple functions: mechanical actuation of the valve through the motor and drive train, processing and control through the embedded microprocessor, and wireless communication through the integrated communications mechanism. This multi-functional design enhances capability while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices
3Device complexity
If separate devices are used for actuation and control, then device simplicity is maintained, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the actuator, processing circuit, and wireless communications mechanism into a single unit with a unified control algorithm, the patent simplifies installation to a single device rather than multiple separate components, and reduces maintenance requirements to a single integrated system rather than multiple discrete devices
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated device in an HVAC system is configured to modify an environmental condition of a building. The device includes a valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid through a conduit, an actuator comprising a motor and a drive device, and a communications mechanism. The communications mechanism is configured to receive a flow rate setpoint from an external control device of an outer control loop. The device further includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine an actuator position setpoint using a cascaded feedback control mechanism based on the flow rate setpoint and a flow rate measurement from a flow rate sensor of an inner control loop. The valve, the actuator, the communications mechanism, and the processing circuit are located within a common integrated device chassis.